After returning from the Black Galaxy, Thor, Hercules and Eric Masterson say farewell to the High Evolutionary and Wundagore. Their journey home to New York is interrupted when they are attacked by Mongoose. With Hercules temporarily out of the action, Thor fights to defend himself and Eric. As Thor reels from the Mongoose's attack, Masterson steps in to defend his friend. Hercules' timely reappearance forces Mongoose to flee, but, Eric Masterson lies dying from a blow intended for the thunder god. As Asgaard drifts deeper into the Negative Zone, Thor uses what may well be his last contact with his homeland to ask Odin to save the mortal's life.

"Tales of Asgard: There Dwells a Monster!"

In this story from Thor's early years, the young thunder god has allowed himself to be captured by rock trolls in an effort to stop their raids on the Asgardian countryside. After learning that the raids are a result of the trolls being forced toward the surface world by a demon, Thor forces the troll king to lead him to the demon's dwelling place.